love + merriment = family: little but fierce

it was birthday number 4 for our sweet mila a month back. above she is showing me one of her birthday presents: a glittery tutu, that represents that sweet side of her gentle feline ways, but the stance shows you she means business. mila has always known exactly what she wants and she is not afraid to share it. her little petite frame makes me forget her age much of the time, but make no mistake the girl has some serious will power. it doesn't mean mila is in your face. it could mean she just doesn't want to do what you would like her to, or she is going to remain quiet to the nicest of people...but those big doe eyes staring back are reassuring that she is 100% love.

mila wants to be snuggled up to mama ALL DAY LONG. she enjoys school, but also reminds me that at home with me is where she would like to be. every night with the exception of maybe 7 over the course of her life, she has found her way into my bed to snuggle up to me in the wee hours of the morning.

she constantly surprises us with the amount of info she is taking in. in the fall, she showed us she had written her name (and continues to write now knowing all her letters), she'll spit out some info about the solar system (thanks LAPS!) or sing a song that evia learned in school and mila knows in it's entirety. it's an important reminder mama needs to pay more attention, ask her more questions about her interests and just converse with my sweet 4 year old!

she wants to be a hair stylist when she grows up. the girl loves to do my hair and the styles are pretty fabulous. she also is one graceful lady. she has chosen at this time, not to dance (one month on one month off, but it's been several "off" now), but when she does interpretive dance (often), or an impromptu piece to the music that rolls the credits after a movie - i am reminded when she's ready - sign her up.

she may argue with her sister just as often as she gets along with her, but the way she looks at evia for inspiration is unparalleled. i love looking in the rear-view mirror and seeing her big eyes pointed straight at evia as she absorbs everything evia is saying. i can see her little wheels spinning and learning from her big sis, right in front of my eyes. how special to look to up to your sibling. i am so thankful they have one another.

a few highlights from mila's year: